Jorian Jackson

Support continues for the family of a young Tyler woman who police say was murdered last week as authorities seek to apprehend the suspect.

Cheyenne Russell, 26, was found shot to death in her Tyler apartment on Monday afternoon. Tyler police say Jorian Jackson, 29, of Plano, is the murder suspect. Jackson is wanted on a $1 million bond but had yet to be arrested as of Sunday night.

Jackson, an ex-boyfriend of Russell’s, is the father of one of her children. The Nacogdoches woman was the mother of one other child. Their ages are 3 and 4, respectively. Both children are safe with other family members, police said earlier this week.

Russell was known as a bright spot in the life of her loved ones, according to public social media posts made by friends and family in the wake of her death.

Tyler police say they are working with multiple agencies and doing everything they can do located Jackson. His vehicle was located Tuesday but he remains on the run. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information about Jackson’s whereabouts should immediately contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000. If it is in an emergency, call 911.

To help Russell’s family as they mourn her death, over $18,000 was raised by Sunday night through an online GoFundMe campaign to which over 145 people have contributed. To donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/helptherussellfamily . The campaign has a $20,000 goal and any funds not used for Russell’s service will go to her children.

The GoFundMe campaign was started by Sharrone King, a family friend of Cheyenne’s parents, Allen and Jennifer Russell. King wrote in the online fundraiser description that she loved Cheyenne like her own child.

“Dealing with the unspeakable tragedy surrounding Cheyenne’s murder is more than any parents should bear,” King wrote. “This stressful situation is compounded by the financial needs that arise when planning a very unexpected funeral/memorial and taking over the care of Cheyenne’s babies.”

Russell’s parents said in an interview with CBS19 that Jackson allegedly has a history of harming their daughter. They said she had been trying to get away from him for the last year and was in the process of filing for a protective order against Jackson.

Despite their best efforts to shield Russell’s children from the growing tension, Jennifer told CBS19 she couldn’t help but feel a heavy sense of dread as things began to spiral out of control.

“For the sake of the kids, we never thought he would take it this far,” the mother told CBS19. “He has hurt her several times throughout the last few years and she finally found her voice, and this time was done with him.”

The Russells are determined to raise awareness about domestic violence, hoping their pain can help others who are suffering in silence.

“Our hearts are broken, but we want people to know anyone who is in a domestic violence situation to seek help and leave,” Jennifer said.

If someone is a victim of domestic violence, they can call the national hotline at 1-800-799-7233.